The Pink Paradise of Mt Kuju

In spring, 

The Heart of Mt Kuju turns Pink.

This mountainous area is a National Park in the center of Kyushu.

Time to explore.

Early warning signs of Pink to come.

Trails at Kuju Nat Park are well marked. 

Today's first goal is the top of Mt Taisen.

A view over my right shoulder.

That peak on the left is always smoking and rumbling.

Volcanic activity is paramount of this area.

Getting further to the top.

A magic view of Mt Yufu near Yufuin.

Pink is playing peak-a-boo everywhere.

That's what you can call a magic Rock Garden.

Woaoaaa, say No More.

 Next goal is Mt Hijidake. 

Best Pink Peak of All.

Made it to the top of Pink Paradise.

Of course on such a magic day, i wasn't the only hiker.

But still, it felt Pink was there for me alone.

 One more shot in Pink Paradise.

Couldn't stop taking pictures.

Heading back now to Marijke & Esther the Car

at Chojabaru car-park after a 6 hours hike in Pink Paradise.

Dessert?

A good soak in one of the many hot-springs.

More magic.

Salute.

What's up with Alishan?

So What's up with Alishan?

We got a surprise visit by long time cruising friends Uli and Molly.

First time we met Uli was when we both were sailing around in the South Pacific.

Talking 1986 now ;-)

First thing we did here in Fukuoka...Hit the Sushi-wheel!

 Then, a new boat arrived at Odo Yachtharbor,

 the marina around the corner from us.

sy RESOLUTION,

with on board owner Dave and crew Mathew.

Both flew out more or less the next day, leaving

RESOLUTION to stay here for a few months and to keep me busy.

What else?

So often people wonder how we can live on such a small boat like ALISHAN

Well, this is how we do it....

 Boat Sweet Home.

Of course, with Master Mariner Nori.

He is in charge and stays in charge of things on board.

(even right now, i have to struggle to keep him off the keyboard...)

Still proud of having cruised SE Asia, 

including the 2 months trip up the Kinabatanga River, Borneo.

Great elephant spotter, he is.

See: elephants.

The boy is 15 years old now...

and showing off his missing right upper fang.

Oops...what was that...?
Elephants?

Nope, just a seagull.
All is well. 
Time for an other snooze. 

Always time for a snooze these days.

Miau &

Salute.

Leisurely Hiking in Kyushu

We all wanted to go for a Hike.

None of us was keen on too much strain.

So, somehow we ended up hiking this area

 in the middle Kyushu.

Not sure if it was in Oita or Kumamoto Prefecture.

But what a joyful & leisure hike it became.

See here some pictures.

Looks easy enough, don't you agree?

 Arriving at the top....and the view....

...as so often, a bit Japanese hazy, but still spectacular.

Always something to read.

Shoot with Google Translate, and you "know" it all.

If needed, there is a hiking stick for you.....

As found at so many trail-heads.

Great service.

 It was an other crowded day at this Kyushu Hiking trail.

 even spotted some wildlife.

Sign shows you the way and what to see at different the seasons.

This too is a great destination for your 

Camper Rental Trip.

Ask for details HERE or 

HERE

Salute